Characterization

What type of character is described? Robot XA paused at the base of the ramp. Its sensors probed the area. Satisfied that all was safe, it signaled Robot XB. Bumping down the ramp, XB blipped and whirred. Then, both robots moved in opposite directions to explore the planet. Person Animal Imaginary creature

• person

• animal

• imaginary creature

• no character is described

Who are the characters in this passage? Jeri was amazed at the number of animals in the shelter. As she passed a striped kitten, she sighed. She really wanted a dog, but she wasn't certain that her dad would allow her to have one. A woman dressed in jeans and a hoodie appeared. She smiled at Jeri and set her clipboard down. "Can I help you?" she asked.

• the woman and the kitten

• a dog and a striped kitten

• Jeri, her dad, and the woman

• Jeri and the woman

Serena had clipped her hair back, but it needed to be brushed. Her shirt was wrinkled, and her jeans were torn. What clues help the reader infer she is sloppy?

• appearance

• speech

• actions

• thoughts

Tony had never snowboarded before, but that didn't stop him from trying. He leaped onto his board and shot forward. (Reader's Inference: Tony is courageous—he seems like a person who's eager to try new things.) What type of clue does the reader use?

• Thoughts

• Actions

• Interactions with Others

• Speech

Looking at the river, Ronnie saw that the water was already rising. It would soon be too dangerous to cross. Picking up his bike, he began to walk carefully across the slippery rocks. Nothing will keep me from seeing Letisha again, Ronnie thought to himself. Not even a flood.

The writer shows Ronnie's traits by describing—

• his thoughts and appearance

• his appearance and actions

• his interaction with Letisha

• his thoughts and actions

Al was usually silent and moody, and today was no exception. He blamed today's foul mood on his most recent argument with his mother. Direct or indirect characterization?

• Direct

• Indirect

Emily looked at her neighbor, Mr. Winston, and smiled. Direct or indirect characterization?

• Direct

• Indirect

Read the passage again. Looking at the river, Ronnie saw that the water was already rising. It would soon be too dangerous to cross. Picking up his bike, he began to walk carefully across the slippery rocks. Nothing will keep me from seeing Letisha again, Ronnie thought to himself. Not even a flood. How would I describe this person? What are Ronnie's character traits?

• He is lazy and easily defeated.

• He is brave and determined.

• He is frightened and discouraged.

• He is easily upset and angered.

Kristie is hungry for attention. She's constantly cracking jokes and making crazy faces. Deep down, though, she's really just insecure. Direct or indirect?

• Direct

• Indirect

"We'll make it," Ginny said, spreading out the map. She was a smart hiker—clever, too. The others were happy to gather around. "We can get to camp by sunset," Ginny said. "Let's go," they replied. Ginny's green eyes sparkled. "OK, then," she announced. "Let's do it!" Ginny was confident in her plan.

Which of Ginny's traits is NOT directly stated?

• smart

• clever

• well-prepared

• confident